Protective palm device

ABSTRACT

A protective device for a human palm that can be utilized when engaging in various activities. The device can protect the palm from damaging and/or stressful impact to the nerves of the hand by acting as a shock absorber and being adapted to withstand a predetermined amount of force. The device can also allow for freedom of movement of a user&#39;s fingers by moving in a downward and rotational manner about the base of a user&#39;s thumb when the user closes his or her hand.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The following application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/221,206, filed Jun. 29, 2009, the complete contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present device relates to the field of protective equipment for the body, more specifically a palm support and protector.

2. Background

There are many instances when the palm of the hand may need to be protected or supported. For example, while doing a push-up, the palm of the hand bears additional pressure because it is not supported. The tension and pressure placed on the palm can cause injury and soreness to the hands.

The palm also needs protection during some tasks. For example, factory workers may perform jobs that require continuous pressing of the palm on surfaces. A device that protects the palm and absorbs shock would be very beneficial and reduce injury and soreness.

There can also be instances in which a person needs to be able to grasp objects or close their hand completely while wearing a protective palm device. Existing types of padding can restrict the hand from closing due to padding bulk not allowing the fingers to close over the palm. Thus, it is desirable to have a device with a unique turning radius such that a user can have freedom of movement without finger or palm restrictions.

Remington® makes a glove with a padded palm; however, in use the fingers are restricted in movement by the bulkiness of the glove. The present invention solves this problem by being able to rotate as a user moves his or her hand, thus preventing interference by the pad.

What is needed is a device that can support and protect a user's palm from injury and soreness and that can be worn without restricting movement of a the palm or fingers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of one embodiment of a protective device.

FIG. 1A depicts a top view of one embodiment of a protective device having a thumb ring.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of one embodiment of a protective device in use, with a hand in an open position.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of one embodiment of a protective device in use, with a hand in a closed grip position.

FIG. 4 depicts a view of the strap portion of one embodiment of a protective device over the back of a user's hand.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a body portion of a protective device having a plurality of layers.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a palm element having a depth TCd.

FIG. 7 depicts a top planar view of one embodiment of a palm element having a body portion width “w,” a body portion length “u,” an appendage length “TCu,” and an appendage width “TCw.”

FIG. 8 depicts a top planar view of a hand having a dorsum length DL, a purlicue length TCL, and a wrist width WW.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of a hand having a thumb joint width “TW2j.”

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of a hand having a hand width “z.”

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A protective device 100 is depicted in FIG. 1 and can comprise a palm element 102. A palm element 102 can further comprise a body portion 104 and at least one appendage 106 extending there from. In some embodiments, at least one strap 108 can be coupled with a palm element 102 via at least one opening 110.

A palm element 102 can have any known and/or convenient shape and/or geometry. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, a body portion 104 has a substantially ovoid geometry while an appendage 106 is substantially rectangular. However, in alternate embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can have any other known and/or convenient shape. Moreover, the geometries of a body portion 104 and an appendage 106 can be such that their perimeters can be seamlessly integrated with each other, creating a visually smooth transition from a body portion 104 to an appendage 106, rather than a distinctive joint as depicted in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment depicted, a palm element 102 can be substantially planar. However, in other embodiments, a body portion 104 can be adapted to complement the geometry of a human palm. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section of a palm element 102 having a substantially domed geometry on one side and a substantially planar surface on its other side. In such an embodiment, the curved portion can be in contact with a person's palm when in use. In other embodiments, a palm element 102 can be only partially domed, bumpy, ridged, or otherwise raised, with some portions of the palm element 102 remaining substantially planar on the same side. In yet alternate embodiments, both sides of a palm element 102 can be domed or can otherwise have non-planar geometry.

A palm element 102 can be sized to fit various sizes of hands for both men and women. FIG. 7 depicts a top view of one embodiment of a palm element 102 having a body portion 104 width “w,” a body portion 104 length “u,” an appendage 106 width “TCw,” and an appendage 106 length “TCu”. In some embodiments, a protective device 100 can be manufactured and/or sold in various sizes according to a sizing scale, where the 5th percentile can represent a size Small for a female user, and the 95th percentile can represent a size Extra Large for a male user. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the relative dimensions of these percentiles are illustrated below in FIG. 1. However, in alternate embodiments, the dimensions of a palm element 102 and representations of a sliding sizing scale can be of any other known and/or convenient values.

TABLE 1 Determination of “u” and “w” values. 5% ile 95% ile Female Male (Size Small) (Size XL) u = length of body 2.7 3.2 portion 104, in inches Dorsum length, in 2.7 3.2 inches w = width of body 2.1 2.9 portion, in inches Wrist width, in 2.1 2.9 inches

In some embodiments, the length of an appendage 106 TCu can be determined in relation to the length of the webbed space between the thumb and index finger (hereinafter referred to as the “purlicue”), the “TCL” (see FIG. 8). Table 2 below represents one possible method for calculating relative TCu values for 5th and 95th percentiles on a sliding sizing scale. The value 0.088 represents an 8.8% decrease in hand length when gripping. However, in other embodiments, the length of an appendage 106 TCu can be determined in any other known and/or convenient manner.

TABLE 2 Determination of “TCu” values. 5% ile 95% ile Female Male (Size Small) (Size XL) TCL - purlicue length, 1.900 2.300 in inches TCL* = TCL × 0.088 0.167 0.202 TCL − TCL* = TCu 1.733 2.098

In some embodiments, the width of an appendage 106 TCw can be determined in relation to the thumb width at its second joint “TW2j,” as depicted in FIG. 9. Table 3 below represents an example of a method for calculating relative TCw values for 5th and 95th percentiles on a sliding sizing scale. The value 0.60 is used to achieve an embodiment where, in use, a point at which an appendage 106 meets a body portion 104 can be held in place by the base of a thumb. However, in other embodiments, the width of an appendage 106 TCw can be determined in any other known and/or convenient manner.

TABLE 3 Determination of “TCw” values. 5% ile 95% ile Female Male (Size Small) (Size XL) TW2j — Thumb width at 0.900 1.400 2nd joint, in inches TCw =TW2j × 0.60 0.540 0.840

In some embodiments, the width “w” of a body portion 104 can be determined in relation to the width of a hand “z” (see FIG. 10). Table 4 below represents an example of a method for calculating relative w:z ratios for 5th and 95th percentiles on a sliding sizing scale. In this embodiment, a body portion 104 can be a minimum of 75% as wide as a hand in order to enable a palm element 102 to slide over the thenar eminence area of the hand. However, in other embodiments, the w:z ratios can be determined in any other known and/or convenient manner.

TABLE 4 Determination of body portion 104 to hand widths, “w:z”. 5% ile 95% ile Female Male (Size Small) (Size XL) z — hand width, in inches 2.800 3.800 w — body portion 104 2.100 2.900 width, in inches w:z — ratio of body portion 0.750 0.763 104 width to hand width

A palm element 102 can be adapted to pivotally couple with the purlicue, as depicted in FIG. 2. In such an embodiment, when a hand is open a palm element 102 can be biased to a first position, such that when the hand is closed, the palm element 102 can translate and rotate about the z-axis and relative to the purlicue to achieve a second position, and then return back to the first position when the hand is re-opened. In some embodiments, this pivotal and translational movement can enable a palm element 102 to cover a desired portion of the thenar eminence area of a hand, depending on whether the hand is open or closed. The thenar eminence area is defined as the most fleshy, naturally cushioned portion of the palm of the human hand, located adjacent to the second joint of the thumb. Table 5, below, illustrates an example of the percentage of surface area of a palm element 102 that can cover the thenar eminence area when a hand is open or closed. However, in alternate embodiments, a palm element 102 can be sized and shaped such that, in operation, any other desired surface area of a palm element 102 can cover the thenar eminence area or any other part of the palm or hand.

TABLE 5 Closed Palm (gripping) Open Palm (not gripping) % of palm element 102 ≧50% of the area ≦20% of the area defined surface area over the defined by “u,” “w,” by “u,” “w,” “TCw,” thenar eminence. “TCw,” and “TCu.” and “TCu.”

In some embodiments, at least one strap 108 can assist such movement and such bias. In other embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1A, a palm element 102 can further comprise a thumb ring 114 that can be adapted to accept a thumb and can secure around the base of a thumb. A thumb ring 114 and/or strap 108 can both assist with translation and rotation, and restrict movement to some extent in order to achieve a desired degree of movement during use. In other embodiments, a ring 114 can be coupled with any other convenient location on a palm element 102 and can be adapted for use with any other finger.

As shown in FIG. 2, an appendage 106 of a palm element 102 can be adapted to “hook” onto the base of a thumb or otherwise frictionally engage the base of a thumb and/or the purlicue of a hand. In the embodiment shown, an appendage 106 can be shaped such that interference by the base of a thumb can prevent undesirable translational movement of a palm element 102 when in use. In other embodiments, movement can be restricted by use of material having a high coefficient of friction relative to the skin of a hand.

A palm element 102 can have any known and/or convenient thickness. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be made of any known and/or convenient material and can have a thickness great enough to withstand a predetermined amount of force. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, a palm element 102 is comprised of closed cell ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. In other embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be at least partially comprised of elastomeric material, polymer, fabric, rubber, nylon, neoprene, and/or any other known and/or convenient type of material. In further embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be comprised of moisture-wicking, insulating, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, quick-drying, heat-resistant, anti-skid, ultraviolet radiation-resistant, and/or washable materials. Moreover, in some embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be comprised of a thermally stable material capable of maintaining a desired temperature for a given length of time, in order to provide heat or cold to an affected area. In yet alternate embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be comprised of any other known and/or convenient material. Moreover, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be any known and/or convenient color or combination of colors.

In some embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be comprised of more than one material. FIG. 5 depicts a cross section of a domed body portion 104. A body portion 104 can comprise an outer layer 502 and at least one inner layer 504. An outer layer 502 and/or inner layer 504 can be comprised of any known and/or convenient material, as described above. In some embodiments, an inner layer 504 can be comprised of gel, sand, beads, or any other known and/or convenient filler material. In alternate embodiments, a palm element 102 can have any other desired number of layers 502 and/or 504. In yet further embodiments, a palm element 102 can comprise a pocket or slit such that a hot or cold pack or device can be selectively inserted into the palm element 102, and/or for holding any other desired item.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the palm element 102 in FIG. 1., having a thickness “TCd” in its natural, un-stressed resting state. In some embodiments, a body portion 104 and/or appendage 106 can be made of any known and/or convenient material and can have a thickness great enough to withstand a predetermined amount of force. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 6, a palm element 102 can be made of EVA foam and can have an initial thickness TCd of 0.5000 inches. In accordance with Table 6 below, a palm element 102 can have properties such that when either 25 or 35 pounds per square inch (psi) of force is applied, a thickness TCd* can result.

TABLE 6 TCd and TCd* measurements of a palm element 102 comprised of EVA foam material. 25 psi 35 psi TCd — Initial 0.5000 (or 8/16ths) 0.5000 (or 8/16ths) thickness of pad (inches) TCd* — 0.1875 (or 3/16ths) 0.1250 (or 2/16ths) Thickness of pad with 1 square inch impacted (inches) Change in    0.3125    0.3750 thickness of pad (inches) % change from 62.5  75.0  initial thickness when 1 square inch impacted

At least one strap 108 can be coupled with a palm element 102 and can be adapted to be wrapped around a user's hand, thus keeping a palm element 102 in a desired position. As depicted in FIG. 1, in some embodiments a palm element 102 can be coupled with two independent straps 108 via openings 110. However, in alternate embodiments, a single strap 108 can run through, over, or under a palm element 102 with or without the presence of an opening 110. In embodiments having two openings 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, openings 110 can be positioned such that in use, a palm element 102 can be biased to a first position when a palm is open, as described above, and straps 108 can aid in returning the palm element 102 to that first position when a palm is closed and then re-opened. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by coupling a first opening 110 with an appendage 106 and coupling a second opening 110 with a body portion 104, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, and positioning first and second openings 110 at a 37-40 degree angle relative to each other. In other embodiments, openings 110 can be positioned in any other known and/or convenient configuration relative to each other, a body portion 104, and an appendage 106.

In embodiments having a single strap 108 running through, over, or under a palm element 102, the strap 108 length can be determined according to the following Table 7, for 5th and 95th percentile sizes. However, in alternate embodiments, strap 108 length can be determined using any other known and/or convenient method and/or formulation.

TABLE 7 5% ile 95% ile Female Male (Size Small) (Size XL) Girth of hand, in inches 6.9 9.1 TCd × 2, in inches 1.0 1.0 Girth of hand + (TCd × 2) + 10.4  12.6  2.5 = strap length, in inches

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in some embodiments, straps 108 can be coupled with complementary fastening components 112 such that they can be selectively coupled with each other around a user's hand. In other embodiments, the ends of a single strap 108 coupled with a palm element 102 can be coupled with complementary fastening components 112. Complementary fastening components 112 can be hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye, button and slit, protrusion and hole, buckle, or any other known and/or convenient type of fastening component. Straps 108 can have a sufficient amount of overlap when in use so as to be properly secured around a hand. In some embodiments, 1.25 inches of each strap 108 end can be reserved for overlap with its complementary end. In other embodiments, any convenient or desired amount of overlap can be employed.

In some embodiments, straps 108 can be made of fabric, nylon, polymer, rubber, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, a strap can be elastomeric. In some embodiments, a strap 108 can have antibacterial, antimicrobial, ultraviolet-resistant, heat-resistant, anti-skid, moisture-wicking, insulating, and/or quick-drying properties, either inherent in its material or as an additional coating. In alternate embodiments, a strap 108 can have an at least partially reflective surface. In some embodiments, a strap 108 can comprise a permanent, removable, reusable, and/or rewritable name tag that can be used to depict the name of the user of a protective device 100, a company name, or any other known and/or convenient writing, symbol, or logo. A strap 108 can have a substantially planar geometry, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, or can have any other known and/or convenient geometry.

In use, a palm element 102 can be place over a user's palm such that an appendage 106 can at least partially engage the purlicue area of the user's hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Straps 108 can then be wrapped around the user's hand, and complementary fasting components 112 can be coupled at the back of a user's hand, creating a snug fit without being uncomfortable (see FIG. 4). A user can thereafter engage in various activities while having full use of his or her hand. When the user needs to bend the fingers or grip something, a palm element 102 can be induced to translate downward on the palm and rotate relative to the base of the user's thumb, as depicted in FIG. 3. This movement can be at least partially induced by a downward pressure applied to the palm element 102 by the proximal phalanges of the user's hand.

In instances where a palm element 102 is employed on a right hand, a palm clement 102 can be induced to rotate in a counterclockwise manner. In instances where a palm element 102 is employed on a left hand, a palm element 102 can be induced to rotate in a clockwise manner. The above operational description is only one example of the way in which a protective device 100 may be used. In other embodiments, a protective device 100 can be applied and/or worn and/or used in any other known and/or convenient manner. For example, in some embodiments, a palm element 102 can be used as a stress relief device and/or a hand or grip strengthener. In such embodiments, a device 100 can be squeezed repeatedly, and a palm element 102 can be comprised of latex, natural fibers, small beads, or any other known and/or convenient type of material or combination of materials.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evidence that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed in intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

1. A protective device, comprising: a palm element comprising a body portion coupled with an appendage; said palm element being adapted to pivotally couple with the base of a thumb; wherein when a hand is open said palm element is biased to a first position; wherein when the hand is closed, said palm element translates and rotates about an orthogonal axis to achieve a second position; and wherein said palm element subsequently returns back to said first position when the hand is re-opened.
 2. The protective device of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap member coupled with said palm element and adapted to at least partially wrap around a human hand.
 3. The protective device of claim 2, wherein said at least one strap member is elastomeric.
 4. The protective device of claim 2, further comprising at least one opening coupled with said palm element.
 5. The protective device of claim 1, wherein said palm element is comprised of closed-cell ethylene vinyl acetate material. 